Thinking about solutions and solution methods - February 2011, All Stages

This month we explore different ways of solving particular problems. Good problem solvers often reflect on their methods once they have constructed a solution. Is one method best? Most efficient? Most elegant? Would you use an alternative method of solution given the benefit of hindsight?

This problem in geometry has been solved in no less than EIGHT ways
by a pair of students. How would you solve it? How many of their
solutions can you follow? How are they the same or different? Which
do you like best?

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the
NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to
embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities
can be found here.